POL101 / Introduction to Politics [0-3, 3 cr.]

A general introduction to the principal concepts of political science.  In presenting the major political ideas, political behaviors, and governing institutions, this freshman-level course investigates how political power is developed, preserved, and challenged.

POL201 / Introduction to Political Science [0-3, 3 cr.] 

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of and approaches to the study of political science.  The course focuses on social science methodology, political ideologies, the state and state society relations, political parties, electoral systems, democracy, culture, institutions and international relations (IR).  A significant emphasis is placed on the ability to use these concepts toward the analysis of current political issues, disputes and trends.

POL203 / Government & Politics of Lebanon [0-3, 3 cr.]

A comprehensive survey of the political system in Lebanon from independence to the present. Detailed coverage of Lebanese politics and institutions.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL210 / Introduction to Political Thought [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course surveys key political ideas.  Analysis and discussion of original texts and political ideas related to the general philosophy of each author’s historical and political background.  Prerequisite: POL201

POL222 / Comparative Political Systems [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of political systems in the world and compares the ways governments operate and people behave in political life. It examines why different countries in the world implement different forms of government and electoral systems.  It compares the ways different governments interact with their respective citizens in both representation and policy making.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL231 / Introduction to Human Rights [0-3, 3 cr.] 

This course deals with international human rights’ policies and the moral and political issues to which they give rise. The course poses questions such as: What are human rights? Are some rights more fundamental than others, and what compelling interests, if any, justify their violation?

POL240 / Concepts of World Politics [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course offers an introduction to the study of International Relations through discussion and analysis of: the growing relationship between conflict, security and development; the sources of foreign policy and international conflict; political economy; national security; international organizations; global governance; and the gap between North and South, among other topics. 

Prerequisite: POL201

POL241 / Model UN: Diplomatic Skills & Simulation [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course explores the workings of the United Nations and expands the students’ global awareness on issues ranging from international disputes to cooperation towards development. The course initiates students to international diplomacy by letting them simulate various UN member states and investigate multilateral issues from a national perspective. Students develop public speaking, debating, and negotiation skills—all while engaging in consensus building and learning prejudice reduction mechanisms.

POL252 / Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution [0-3, 3 cr.]

This introductory course explores the nature of conflict and a variety of tools that can be used to analyze conflict at its different levels. Drawing from broad theoretical bases, the course examines the complex causes of conflict within the framework of human rights and needs. The course introduces students to models for analyzing conflict and practical ways for responding to conflict, including skills of interpersonal communication, negotiation and mediation.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL312 / Politics of Developing Areas [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course provides an introduction to the comparative politics of the developing world. It addresses many of the key themes, issues, and forces that have shaped socioeconomic and political developments in Africa, Asia and Latin America. These include the legacies of colonialism, the achievement of independence, challenges of state building and regime consolidation, economic policy choices, the politics of ethnicity and gender, revolution, and the role of the military, and democratization. 

Prerequisite: POL201

POL314 / Research Methodology [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course examines the various approaches to social and scientific inquiries. It explains the different methods social scientists utilize in order to construct and verify political theories.   It provides the student with the analytical skills required to design scientific research, construct a theory, implement appropriate research methods, identify a required research sample, conduct research analysis, verify hypotheses, make generalizations, and write a research report.

Prerequisite: POL201, SOC201, PSY201 or SOC301

POL321 / American Government and Politics [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course studies the structure and processes of the American political system. Topics include the nature of American democracy; the constitutional framework; political attitudes; socialization and participation, political parties and elections; and the federal decision-making process.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL322 / Foreign Policy of the Major Powers [0-3, 3 cr.]

A survey and analysis of the policies of the great powers in the post-cold war period. Changing patterns of ties between the great powers in light of the USSR’s disintegration and Russia’s revival; the continuing strength of the U.S.; the end of the cold war; Japan’s and Germany’s rise as economic giants; China’s economic growth; European integration and the U.N.’s revival. Domestic and international influences on great power decision-making, notably security and economic matters, are also included.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL323 / Middle East Governments and Politics [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course surveys the major issues and problems that dominate the political scene in the Middle East, paying special attention to a number of themes including the process of post-colonial state formation; the rise of Arab nationalism and other forms of nationalism; variations in regime consolidation and state-society relations; the institutional structures of authoritarianism; the challenges of development; and the Islamist challenge, among others.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL331 / International Organization [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course covers the concepts and the evolution of international organization, the structure and the evolution of the United Nations, with emphasis on collective security, pacific settlements of disputes, peacekeeping operations and economic and social developments.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL332 / Public International Law [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course examines the nature of international law sources, international law and municipal law, the international systems legal organization, states (their territory and jurisdiction) as subjects of international law, international treaties and agreements, diplomatic and consular agents, laws of war, neutrality, belligerent occupation and war crimes.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL335 / Politics of Multiculturalism [0-3, 3 cr.] 

Multiculturalism is a buzz word in current political debates and popular discussions of ethnicity and migrant communities.  This course explores why multicultural policy has become important, what kinds of minorities need to be accommodated and what kinds of policy contexts are important for multiculturalism in different countries.  The course examines sociological evidence for cultural diversity, its linkages with inter-generational socio-economic disadvantage and the political arguments for and against multiculturalism. 

Prerequisite: POL201

POL346 / International Political Economy [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course provides students an overview of International Political Economy (IPE). It introduces students to the making of the international political economy as well as the main themes and debates in IPE. Topics covered include the nature of the international political economy, theories of IPE, the role of international institutions, the politics of international trade, complex interdependence, and foreign direct investment.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL357 / Globalization and Political Change [0-3, 3 cr.] 

This course introduces the phenomenon of globalization. It examines its historical roots and the different views associated with its universal impacts. Is globalization helping the integration of world cultures, economies, and states or further fragmentation and differentiation? How is globalization helping the improvement of the quality of life and how is it not? How is globalization undermining war and at other times fuelling its causes? This course will address these questions from various points of view. 

Prerequisite: POL201

POL368 / Political Parties and Elections in America [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on two key elements of democratic politics using the case of the United States: political parties and elections. It explores elections, particularly presidential elections, as devices by which citizens may or may not control what their government does as well as analyzes political parties as selectors of candidates and organizers of political choices. The role of money, advertising, political activists, and the mass media are also discussed.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL415 / Negotiation & Bargaining [0-3, 3 cr.] 

This course explores negotiation and bargaining from the individual to the international level, including both public and private sector examples. It covers the context of negotiation, proceeds to the structure of negotiations and to the dynamics, strategy and tactics for persuading, coercing, and bargaining through to conclusion. Group and national differences and approaches will be highlighted and demonstrated using intra-cultural negotiating exercises.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL422 / The Middle East in World Affairs [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course examines inter-state conflict in the modern Middle East. It examines contending theories of Middle East state behavior, and applies them to the main crises or events that have shaped regional dynamics. Special focus is given to the Arab-Israeli conflict, regional rivalries, the policies of the main international and regional actors, and domestic factors in shaping systemic dynamics, among other topics. The course also evaluates the causes of the different conflicts from contending theoretical perspectives.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL426 / Politics of the European Union [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course examines both the domestic politics and international relations of European Union states as well as considers the policies and roles of the European Union as a supranational actor in world politics.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL432 / Diplomatic and Consular Services [0-3, 3 cr.]

This course investigates the structure, functions and procedures of diplomatic and consular services, the recruitment of diplomatic and consular personnel, diplomacy and diplomatic theory, and diplomatic privileges and immunities.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL437 / Topics in Political Science-International Affairs [0-3, 3 cr.]

Courses designed to cover topical areas based on visiting instructors and/or current events.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL448 / Internship [0-3, 3 cr.]

Introduction to the world of politics, government and related career fields in order to put into practice skills and theories learned in the classroom.  Internships will take place at government agencies, IGOs, or NGOs approved by the department. Valuable work experience and credit is gained in translating theoretical and analytical skills in political science/international affairs into professional practice. Prerequisite: Consent of department.

Prerequisite: POL201

POL499 / Senior Study [0-3, 3 cr.]

The course aims at guiding senior standing students in an independent research project from the selection of an appropriate research design applicable to the analysis of a political question of interest through to the completion of an independent research paper. 

Prerequisite: Senior Standing